Quiltmaker Reveal and a GIVEAWAY!

This month I had the great honor of working on a Jaybird Quilts pattern for Quiltmaker Magazine. 

The pattern, Raspberry Dessert, designed of course by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts, can be found in the latest Quiltmaker Magazine which will be on stands in about two weeks.  I didn't alter the pattern at all, and the size shown here is a LARGE throw that measures 76.5" x 76.5"

I used all my primary bright fabrics against a black background to make this striking quilt. 

My neighbor saw me photographing the quilt top and asked me if I would make a twin size quilt for her daughter.  So I am currently making another Rainbow version of this quilt in a twin size.  I only needed to alter the pattern slightly for that version.

To make this pattern in the rainbow pattern I pieced it in sections by color.

Then I trimmed each section. 

Then I set my machine on it’s longest stitch length and did a stay-stitch a scant 1/4” from the edge of each section, to reduce stretch and keep any seams from popping open until I could get the sections sewn together and the whole thing quilted and bound!

I also made a large runner in spring colors using Julie's same pattern. 

Doesn't it look nice on my mantel top?  I think I like it better there than on the table, as I had it in the picture above.

But on to more exciting news!  Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts, has generously donated one of her patterns to offer as a giveaway!  I'm so excited, because not only will you get her Raspberry Dessert pattern in the latest Quiltmaker magazine, you also have the opportunity to win another pattern here.

But wait, that's not all!  Check out all my fellow Scrap Squad members' blogs to see their versions of Julie's pattern.  Each of them will also be hosting a giveaway as well.  And the final giveaway will be on Quiltmaker's Quilty Pleasures Blog.

For my giveaway, you have several chances to enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me which Jaybird Quilt pattern you like the best.
2. Become a follower and leave a comment letting me know (or just let me know you already follow).
3. Tweet about the giveaway (@iQuilty) and leave the tweet link in a comment
4. Blog about the giveaway and leave a link in a comment

Enter this contest up to four times before midnight (PDT, because that's where I am) on April 4th and I will be posting a winner on April 5th!

Also don't forget to check out the other giveaways and quilts:

• Linda at Linda's Quilting Blog
• Pat at Crazy Quilter Mama
• Donna at Donna's Quilts
• Kim at Pokeytown Kim
• Jane at Forest Jane
• Ruth at Threads of Mine
• Carol at her Connecting Threads Member Page
• Quilty Pleasures - Quiltmaker Magazine is hosting a fabric giveaway!

Cheers,

Dionne

Rhapsody in Bloom (and a giveaway)

This creative pattern was designed for Quiltmaker magazine by a teenager, Doug Leko. I was quite fortunate to have had the opportunity to interview him. You can read that interview at the Quiltmaker Blog, Quilty Pleasures. I believe it will be published tomorrow, or the next day.

Many of the other members of the Scrap Squad finished their quilting completely and they look fabulous! I have the quilting still left to do.

We learned about our first pattern just after Christmas, when my spirits were high and my pocket book was low. Have you ever found your self in that position? More inspiration than financing! I dug deep into my stash and found enough scraps to make a twin size RIB. (that's Rhapsody in Bloom ~ love the acronyms)

I was initially worried I wouldn't have enough contrast, colors, fabrics... you name it, I fretted about it! When I completed my first block, it was SO SCRAPPY, it was hard to see the actual pattern.

But I had faith that with more than 20 blocks in the twin size, the repeat would show up. In the end I am incredibly happy with the final quilt! And my daughter is thrilled with a new quilt for her bed.

I used approximately 32 different fabrics. The largest cut of fabric was a fat quarter and my smallest cut was a 2 1/2 inch square. I didn't use a unifying fabric to tie the project together and give your eye a place to rest ~ with my fabrics, it's all go, go, go!

One of my favorite elements of quilting is seeing how many incredibly unique ways one pattern can look fabulous. As a part of the Scrap Squad I get to be a part of seeing that process first hand. I am so fortunate to work with such a talented group of women that all look at the same pattern I do and see something radically different. I am inspired and amazed when I see the many interpretations of the same pattern! You can browse all the photos at the Scrap Squad Photo Gallery. I think you'll be just as inspired as I am!

I hope you'll take the time to check out everyone's blogs:

• Ruth at Threads of Mine


• Jane at Forest Jane


• Kim at Pokeytown Kim


• Donna at Donna's Quilts


• Pat at Crazy Quilter Mama


• Linda at Linda's Quilting Blog


• Carol at her Connecting Threads Blog

Oh, and I almost forgot. The designer of the quilt, Doug Leko, is having a little giveaway on his blog ~ but it ends today, by the end of the day! So head over to his blog: Antler Quilt Designs Please tell him Dionne sent you!

Cheers,

Dionne

Last Sneek Peek before the reveal...

On the 28th I'll be able to show off my quilt for Quiltmaker magazine. It's a delicious pattern designed by a teenage boy. Yes, you heard me right!

I have two teenage girls and I know how unique it is for a teenager, not only to be interested in quilting, but to then take the step further and design unique and wonderful patterns AND THEN take that talent and turn it into a fabulous little business.

I had the great opportunity to chat with this young man, and I'll be sharing that interview with you on the 29th. Come back soon!

Meanwhile, here is a little peek at the loveliness to come!

Cheers,

Dionne